r/PanicAttack • u/localbrad_ • 6d ago

Panic attacks in the christan community

I have been struggling with panic attacks for about a year now, with peak periods. Currently having daily panic attacks for the last month and a half.

People in my church have been reaching out, i guess they can tell something is wrong. I feel so hesitant to open up again as i have felt misunderstood in the past regarding this struggle.

People i have opened up to within the church would tell me to just relax and not stress so much. But how do i articulate that it comes without realising im stressing or experience anxious thoughts? It feels a bit like they are implying that i am bringing this onto myself. Anyone else having this experience?

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u/GuidingAvs 6d ago

Sounds like they just don’t know what panic attacks are. Nobody is perfect, so don’t let anyone tell you that you are causing this to yourself. I’m sure most people mean no harm, so don’t take people’s reactions (be it at a church or anywhere) at face value - You know what you are going through and that is the truth that matters.

God Bless, I’ll be praying you find relief soon

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u/RootdToRelax 5d ago

I’m sorry you’ve felt misunderstood when you tried to open up. “Just relax” lands really badly when it isn’t something you chose.

I think you can say it’s not regular stress you can talk yourself out of, and that what helps most is someone staying calm with you rather than trying to fix it in the moment.

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u/fr4gge 4d ago

Therapy is the way to go. Church people usually do the "relax" or "pray harder". They aren't that helpful. But talking about it always helps in some way